Family-ish Week 1 – Discussion Guide
Getting Started
Main Idea: No one can bring peace home like God.
Introduction: The expression of God’s love starts in you, then your home, then others. Only God can bring peace and love to your relationships.
Discussion Starter: How busy is your family’s calendar?
Encounter God
Primary Scriptures: Psalm 90:17, Ephesians 4:30, Ephesians 3:14-15
Discussion Questions:
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How often do you discuss spiritual matters in your home and with your family? Do you have regular, intentional devotions or Bible studies with your family?
- What are some obstacles to having regular, intentional time with your family to discuss, pray, and live out the principles of God’s Kingdom?
- God does not (and ultimately will not) play second fiddle to anyone or anything. What is something you should give up as a family to “make room” for God?
- Read Matthew 12:46-50 Some of us did not grow up with a biological family or don’t have one now. What does Jesus mean in this Scripture? Does it bring your comfort or make you uncomfortable?
- Ephesians 5 makes clear that the purpose of sexuality, marriage, and by extension, family and other relationships are meant to be an example or reflection of Christ’s love for the Church. How are your relationships defined in comparison to this standard?
Discovery Bible Method:
For deeper study, as an alternative to the questions above, read Ephesians 4:30 and use the Discovery Bible Method to explore the passage.
Embrace Others
Suggestion: Consider breaking the group into twos or threes for this section.
This weekend Pastor Chris referenced Ephesians 3:14-21, where he pointed out that even the concept of family is derived from and finds its roots and definition in God and His Word. God is not surprised about what our world seeks to define as a family. God’s definitions of family have always been and will always be “under attack” by this world because our enemy is always seeking to confuse and tear down our Father’s Kingdom. If anything, it should be expected that a world and people separated from God would also improperly define family and relationships. Christian homes, relationships, and even relationships we have with non-Christians should be marked by love and the Spirit of God. Discuss how you express God’s love to your spouse, family, friends, neighbors, and strangers.
Engage the World Around Us
Engaging at Faith Promise: Does everyone in your family who attends Faith Promise and is able to, serve somewhere at FP? How can your service at FP be an example and opportunity for discussion in your family?
Engaging in Our Community and the World: Discuss family-oriented service opportunities in your community or around the world that would be a great way to bring you together while engaging those around you. Examples: litter pick-up at a park, Compassion International child sponsorships where you write letters to your sponsor child, or visiting grandparents and finding out how you can serve their elderly friends.
Expand God’s Kingdom
Read Psalm 78:1-4 What kind of legacy are you leaving for the next generation of believers? Tell the stories of what God has done in your life and those around you to someone this week.
Leader’s Notes
ALL groups at Faith Promise should follow Jesus Christ and lead others to do the same. Below are the marks of a growing follower and disciple of Jesus.
– A follower of Jesus desires to encounter God through the deeper study and application of God’s Word.
– A follower of Jesus embraces people and values relationships on a deeper level so everyone can grow together.
– A follower of Jesus engages and serves the world around them and in their community, through local partners or God-directed opportunities.
– A follower of Jesus expands God’s Kingdom through the development and multiplication of disciple-makers, possibly to lead more groups at Faith Promise.
